HOME WARRANTY FAQ's

After a tenant-buyer moves in to their new home, the last thing they or the seller wants to worry about is what could possibly break or malfunction in their home. Since that can cover a multitude of items and systems, for peace of mind, it's a good idea to get a home protection plan. It's especially a good idea to obtain a home warranty if you are a first time home buyer with no experience maintaining a home. For the protection of both the seller (since after all, until the tenant-buyer exercises the option to purchase, its still their home) and the tenant-buyer, we strongly recommend a home warranty.

Question: Where can I get a Home Warranty ?

Answer:While there are many good home warranty companies, we recommend AHS - American Home Shield. To learn more about their products and services, call (888) 682-1043 or click on link below:

Question: Who pays for the Home Warranty ?

Answer: We recommend for the seller to pay for the home protection plan and home warranty coverage and the tenant-buyer to pay for the deductible when such service is actually needed. Now, whether the seller or tenant-buyer pays for the coverage differs on a case-by-case basis. It's all up to the parties involved to decide what they want to do. On what grounds do we base our recommendation on ? We recommend that the seller pay for the coverage because it is a seller benefit. This is because the tenant-buyer will not be calling the seller (who in essence becomes a landlord) if something breaks.

Question: How much does a Home Warranty cost ?

Answer: A Home Warranty is fairly inexpensive, typically ranging from $250-500 per year, depending on coverage. Home warranty companies sometimes run special sales and either discount policy prices or offer additional coverage for the same price. The policies are prepaid for a year in advance, at which time they expire or can be renewed.

Question: How do they work ?

Answer: Although specific plans provide for specific types of coverage, most operate the same way:

If a home system or appliance breaks or stops working, the tenant-buyer calls the home warranty company.

The home warranty company calls a provider with which it has a business arrangement.

The specific provider calls the tenant-buyer to make an appointment.

The provider fixes the problem. If an appliance is malfunctioning and cannot be repaired, depending on contract coverage, the home warranty company will pay to replace and install the appliance.

The tenant-buyer pays a small trade service fee (i.e. the deductible) of less than $100.

Question: What are the types of coverage ?

Answer: Because all plans differ, you will want to ask specifically what is covered. Consult with a home warranty company representative if upgrades are available. Pay close attention to whether the home warranty company will pay for repairs to make certain types of systems or appliances compliant with new regulations.

Question: What if I disagree with the diagnosis ?

Answer: Sometimes a service provider will deny a claim. (See below.) If that happens or if you are unhappy with the service provided, call your home warranty company representative to seek a resolution to the situation so a solution acceptable to all parties involved can be worked out. In short, don't take "no" for an answer !

Question: What is generally covered ?

Answer: The following is generally covered:

Air conditioning

Dishwashers

Doorbells

Furnace/Heating

Water heater

Ductwork

Garbage disposal

Inside plumbing stoppages

Ceiling fans

Electrical systems

Range and oven

Telephone wiring

Because coverages vary from state to state and from policy to policy, ask to see a sample copy of a policy before you commit.

Question: What is generally not covered ?

Answer: The following is generally not covered:

Outdoor items such as sprinklers

Faucet repairs are not covered under all plans

Not all plans pay for refrigerators, washers & dryers or garage door openers

Spa or pools, unless specific coverage requested

Permit fees

Haul aways

Question: What can cause denial of a claim ?

Answer: The following can cause a claim to be denied:

Improper maintenance

Code violations

Unusual wear and tear

Improper installation

We hope that the Answers to these Frequently Asked Questions regarding Home Warranties has been helpful and informative. Again, feel free to CONTACT US if you have any further questions. Your satisfaction is very important to us.